OPM5002_Innovation in the project context

Assessment 1: Individual, Investigative Essay

Innovation: what is it and how do we achieve it as
Project managers: use the Food Innovation Centre as a
case in point

Mark Allocation: 100 marks

Weighting: 15%
Due date: Due in Friday 17 April 9.00 pm
Submitting assignments: Electronically submitted via Moodle by the due date
Word Length: 1000 words
Reference count: Minimum 4
Working strategy: Individual

Aim:

To explore the term innovation.

Learning Objectives:

Appraise the concepts of innovation in the context of delivering projects

1. Assignment requirements

‘Innovation’ has become a buzzword that is difficult to define and even more difficult to
cultivate effectively. True innovation requires specific skills, behaviours and mindsets to
achieve and prove competitive. https://www.foodinnovationcentre.com.au/services

a. You will be expected to define the term innovation from research that reflects your thoughts
and concerns. (You may choose, and this is up to you, to create your own definition by
reviewing the available literature definitions and synthesising them into one.)
NB: Look to the food innovation centre at Monash, link provided above, to ascertain what or
how they establish innovation.
b. Choose one of the services the Food Innovation Centre offers (located on the left side of the
webpage) and discuss what they do to provide innovation within this service area.
c. From your finding in 3 above describe your thoughts on their services and whether you
consider their services are considered truly innovative. Explain why/why not!! A hint: your
thoughts should be reflective of the definition you have chosen to describe the term
innovation.
d. The Food Innovation Centre established a Monash Food Incubator (MFI). Explain what and
how the MFI is used.
e. Case study: There are several working podcasts located under the News tab
(https://www.foodinnovationcentre.com.au/news/category/podcasts/)

“So whether you’re a small start-up needing guidance, a large corporation seeking inspiration
or just a person who loves hearing about the latest food trends and products, this podcast

Developed by Dr Sue Foster 17/02/2020

OPM5002_Innovation in the project context

gives you a unique look behind the scenes through interviews with Business Founders who
share their start-up and scale-up stories.”

You have two options either (i) or (ii).

i. after listening to the podcast write up the case study in your own words and discuss
how the outcomes reflect/or do not reflect your understanding and/or the definition of
innovation identified in 1a above. OR
ii. identify a case study that you are interested in writing up that you consider establishes
an innovative approach to developing or offering a product or a service.
NB: Both options must be referenced.

h. Conclude your findings*

*Be prepared to present your findings to the group during day 1 workshop
and be open for a discussion surrounding innovation and what you
understand by that term. This should reflect your research.

Developed by Dr Sue Foster 17/02/2020